Fatal Massachusetts car accident results in criminal charges

Insurance providers and driver’s education courses often expound on the benefits of defensive driving. This method of driving is less likely to cause an accident. However, the actions of a few drivers on the road frequently endanger other drivers and pedestrians. In a horrific car accident in Massachusetts, one man was killed and four others injured.

The incident occurred one evening in mid-July. According to police reports, the 32-year-old driver of a sports utility vehicle led police in a chase through two towns. The chase came to an end after the driver allegedly hit a pedestrian and a parked car. The 62-year-old pedestrian died as a result of his injuries. Four other people, two of them children, were injured.

Currently the man, who appeared in court with a neck brace, faces at least 10 charges. These include driving without a license and assault with a deadly weapon. The current charges do not include the death of the pedestrians. However, prosecutors have indicated their intention of filing additional charges.

In addition to the criminal charges, the accused driver could also face a civil case in a Massachusetts court if the injured people or family of the deceased pedestrian pursues it. As a result of the car accident, the injured will face medical bills and will potentially have to miss work while they recover, resulting in lost wages. The family of the deceased man will have to cover funeral expenses as well as lost wages. A civil court, if they rule the driver’s negligence caused the accident, could provide both the injured and the family of the deceased financial compensation to cover the expenses resulting in the accident.

Source: whdh.com, “Driver in deadly Cape Cod crash held without bail,” July 15, 2013